Reza Mahmud :
Tensions between BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami appear to have subsided after BNP senior leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi’s controversial remarks against Jamaat sparked significant debate.
Rizvi’s statements ignited heated discussions in the political arena, with supporters from both parties calling for unity in the face of perceived threats from “fallen fascists” attempting to destabilise the interim government and the country.
Rizvi, in his remarks on Sunday, accused an Islamic party, seemingly referring to Jamaat, of taking over banks after 5 August.
He also criticised both India and certain political parties-particularly those opposed to the Liberation War of 1971-for exploiting the political turmoil for their own interests. Rizvi condemned Jamaat for engaging in politics under the guise of religion, stating that Islam does not condone repeated acts of betrayal.
He added, “BNP has always upheld its commitment to the people. From 1971 to 5 August, BNP has never compromised on democracy.”
In response, Jamaat-e-Islami issued a statement condemning Rizvi’s remarks. Meanwhile, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, on Monday, emphasised the need for political parties to manage their differences carefully, to prevent harm to the country and its people. Senior BNP leaders expressed their desire to uphold national unity.
Dr Mosharraf Hossain, a senior member of BNP’s Standing Committee, told The New Nation that there was no official party decision on the matter yet, and it would likely be discussed in the party’s Standing Committee meeting on 30 December.
Jamaat spokesperson Motiur Rahman Akand expressed dissatisfaction with Rizvi’s harsh words, emphasising that Jamaat had never used such language against BNP. He questioned why such remarks were being made now, when BNP had previously been in an alliance with Jamaat.
Political analysts raised concerns that such tensions between the two major political parties, both of which opposed the ousted fascist regime, could strengthen the forces they had long opposed.
Professor Mahbubullah cautioned against harsh political exchanges at a time when foreign powers were allegedly trying to reassert influence in Bangladesh. He warned that such rhetoric could unintentionally benefit the forces seeking to destabilise the country and establish deposed despot Awami League (AL).
Meanwhile, Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman, speaking at a meeting in Saidpur, Nilphamary, denied the allegations that Jamaat had seized control of Islamic banks. He claimed that attempts by certain groups to dominate the banking sector on 5 August were thwarted. Dr Shafiqur also criticised the Awami League government for alleged corruption and economic mismanagement.
In response to Rizvi’s statements, Jamaat released a statement calling them “politically motivated, baseless, and confusing.” The statement, issued by Jamaat Secretary General Rafiqul Islam Khan, stated that Rizvi’s remarks were unsubstantiated and that the people had long rejected such accusations. Jamaat reiterated that its political stance was against Indian hegemony and fascism, and called for an end to misleading rhetoric.
